Colloidal organization and clusters: self-assembly of polyoxometalate-surfactant complexes towards three-dimensional organized structures.

Increased hydrophobicity of well-defined polyoxometalate clusters is possible through complexation with cationic surfactants in a one-pot reaction. The clusters, of toroid and spherical shape and colloidal dimensions, then organized into ordered, supramolecular assemblies, as shown schematically, are similar to classical liquid crystals. The increased solubility in organic media opens the door to new polyoxometalate-polymer hybrid materials.